The criteria of "brain death" are generally accepted as a medical standard and a marker for terminating life support and/or harvesting organs. But perhaps the standard is not such a givenI have to say that I'm glad to see that there's ongoing discussion about the concept of brain death. While I'm not a medical doctor, I do understand the definition and find it very troubling, even presumptuous. That said, it's a concept that's treated as undeniable...until (or perhaps when) emotions come into … [Read more...]

Remember the fuss about Governor Sarah Palin balancing career and family? Well, it turns out that it's perfectly acceptable for other women to do so. In fact, they're even encouraged.A friend of mine sent me this article about the "passionate debate" surrounding Michelle Obama's role as First Lady and her apparent decision not to work.After all the hysteria about Governor Palin needing to give attention to her children, it's interesting to note that this article does not discuss the needs of … [Read more...]

And now the rest of the story...Yet again, a Catholic leader's words get taken out of context.Cardinal Stafford recently gave a strong speech on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Humanae Vitae. Speaking just over two weeks after the election, he would have been remiss to not address the incoming presidency of the most extreme pro-abortion president ever. John Allen has an excellent piece that sheds light on the Cardinal's talk. I have long admired John's talent for presenting things in … [Read more...]

Last Thursday, November 13, in an address for the John Paul II Institute at Catholic University of America, Cardinal Stafford made some very clear statements about the effects of the 2008 presidential election. Suffice to say, they weren't dull.The Cardinal reminded his audience that while fashions, music, and other trends have changed over the past 40 or 50 years, the Church's teaching today on contraception and abortion is just the same as it was in 1968 and even before. He had strong words … [Read more...]

And in other news, the Catholic Church is still against abortion. Despite the back and forth of the election cycle, the bishops have confirmed the centrality of the Church's teaching on abortion.The US bishops just concluded their regular fall meetings in Baltimore and issued this statement on abortion. While there's nothing new regarding Church teaching, the statement clearly sets forth that the bishops, as a group, accept and even promote this teaching. Why now? In light of President-elect … [Read more...]